hula

noun hu·la \ ˈhü-lə \

variants: or less commonly hula-hula play \ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə\

Definition of hula

: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming

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Recent Examples of hula from the Web

Scherich, from the University of California, Santa Barbara, created a dance to explain her Ph.D. research with aerial silk acrobatics and glowing hula hoops.

— roni dengler, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: Dancing Ph.D. students and unearthing the Great Pyramid’s secrets—with cosmic rays," 3 Nov. 2017
Enjoy authentic hula performances, live island music, Polynesian vendors, Hawaiian barbecue, kids’ games and more free from 3 to 7 p.m. at Mickel Park, 2675 NW Seventh Ave.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "What to do with the kids this weekend: Day of the Dead, carnivals," 1 Nov. 2017
Other activities: outrigger canoeing, hula dancing.

— bob cooper, WSJ, "Resort Activities With Bragging Rights," 6 Sep. 2017
The spa is first-rate, and the outdoor restaurant has excellent Hawaiian music and hula dancing.

— hanya yanagihara, ELLE Decor, "ELLE DECOR Goes to Honolulu," 12 July 2010
Take the chill off with coffee and enjoy entertainment throughout the morning, including a photo booth, lawn games and a hot hula yoga to warm up.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "The fight to end breast cancer starts with a single step," 16 Oct. 2017
Kick off marathon morning by taking in a traditional Hawaiian blessing, hula dancers, and the sound of musicians blowing conch shells.

— laurel leicht, SELF, "Why I Love Small Marathons—Plus 7 You Should Try," 2 Oct. 2017
The debris removed from the school changed as crews worked their way deeper, from huge chunks of brick and concrete to pieces of wood that looked like remnants of desks and paneling to a load that contained a half dozen sparkly hula-hoops.

— Time, "Girl Found Trapped in Rubble as Rescuers Look for Survivors of Mexico Earthquake," 21 Sep. 2017
The debris removed from the school changed as crews worked their way deeper, from huge chunks of brick and concrete to pieces of wood that looked like remnants of desks and paneling to a load that contained a half dozen sparkly hula-hoops.

— christopher sherman, Washington Post, "Trapped girl a symbol for Mexico’s quake rescue efforts," 21 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.